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- From the Principal - Mrs Katie Browne
- From the Assistant Principal - Mr Simon Farrugia
- From the REC - Ms Catherine du Bois
- From the School Office
- STEAM Fair - This Thursday - 8th August
- P&F News
- Book Club
- Brain Busters
- Year 1 and Year 2 Excursion to Symbio
- Year 5 & 6 - Christmas Art Competition & Public Speaking Competition
- NSW Health 2024 Respiratory Illness Campaign
- Pastrol Support
- Calendar Overview
- Awards
- SEL Focus - Week 3 and 4
- Canteen for Term 3 - Thursdays only
- Community News
Dear Families,
This Thursday we celebrate the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. As a school we recognise the contribution the Sisters of St Joseph made to Catholic schooling in Moss Vale by starting the first Catholic primary school before the Dominican Sisters took it over and then built our current school. Mary was a determined woman and worked hard because she believed God wanted her to and also to remain part of the Catholic Church. Mary was excommunicated from the church however that did not stop her and she took her concerns to the Pope in Rome where she was heard and then able to return to her work in Australia. Mary never stopped believing in her purpose and this cost her some of her friendships. Fr Julian Woods was one of those. He was not happy with the direction Mary had taken; however Mary never let people forget that he was the sisters founding Father. Mary’s determination was to serve God. In 1883 Mary wrote, “We have had much sorrow and are still suffering its effects, but sorrow or trial lovingly submitted to does not prevent our being happy - it rather purifies our happiness, and in so doing draws out hearts nearer to God.”
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - Pray for us.
Through STEM, students develop key skills to support them to succeed at school and beyond including:
- critical thinking
- creativity
- problem-solving
- collaboration
- communication
- independent thinking
- initiative
- digital literacy.
International research indicates that 75 per cent of the fastest-growing occupations now require STEM skills and knowledge. It is important that we equip young people with the skills needed to be successful and engaged citizens in a complex and dynamic society (Department of Education Strategic Plan 2019-2023).
We hope you are able to drop in and see this work. We appreciate this is not always possible so will share photos on our facebook page.
I would like to thank the school community for the acknowledgement on Principal’s Day last Friday. I was truly humbled by the song the children sang and deeply touched by the sentiments. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead this beautiful school and appreciate each and every person who makes up this wonderful community. Thank you.
God Bless,
Stage Based Learning Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. After analysing the survey results from staff, students and families it has been decided that we will go back to straight grade classes for 2025. Teacher allocations will not be announced until the end of Term 4 as staffing has not yet been reviewed or our allocation received.
Teachers reported that the groupings this year had achieved what we set out to achieve and that was to create two smaller sized classes that were mixed in order to enhance social opportunities. Going forward staff said that they would like to continue with mixed staged groupings for some KLAs but not all. The building upgrade should be able to facilitate this.
Parents were split 50-50. Some parents had not seen benefits for their child and others felt it has made a big difference to their child’s social development and provided increased friendships. Some parents raised questions about their child being challenged. If you feel your child is not being challenged please make an appointment to see the class teacher to discuss this.
Students were asked about the experience so far. Many of them reported that they have made new friends and like being mixed up. Some would like to go back to their original class.
Thank you everyone for filling in the surveys and providing your feedback. The more we collaborate on matters like this the more we can make informed decisions that fully support our students' growth.
System Professional Development
On Monday 12 August Mrs Browne, Mr Farrugia and Mrs Claremont will be attending the System Professional Development day. Mrs Sandra Hogan will be the relief principal at school on this day.
Principal’s Appraisal
On Tuesday 13 August Mrs Margaret Helsin, Mrs Peter Michael and Mrs Genevieve Cook will be at school to undertake the Principal’s Appraisal. This is a holistic process that entails multiple surveys, interviews, data and a self report. Thank you to those who took the time to complete surveys and are going to participate on the day. This appraisal process is an opportunity for me to reflect on my progress to date and to identify areas for growth moving forward.
Tell Them From Me Survey Results
Earlier this year we surveyed the community through the Tell Them From Me Survey. This survey measures engagement within the school community and is ranked against norms. The norms are developed from the previous year, 2023 survey, collected across Australia. This survey provides the school with data that helps inform our improvement agenda. The results this year have demonstrated some areas of growth since last year and some areas that we need to continue to work on. Students articulated clearly that they feel safe at our school. This was great to hear and tells us that our systems are improving and working. It is necessary that we continue to progress in this space so we start to see a direct correlation with learning.
The parent survey results were consistent from 2023 and showed growth across key areas. The results this year indicated the parent community responses were above the TTFM norms in all areas. This is fantastic and guides us to ensure we continue to maintain a high standard. As a school we featured high across the diocese with our parent scores as well. Our commitment now is to continue to improve as we develop a robust parent-school partnership. Later this year we will be holding a listening forum and workshop for parents to come along to provide feedback in key areas so we can continue to ensure we provide the best possible faith, learning and wellbeing environment for our students.
Thank you to all the families that provided feedback. Staff will review the data during the term and use it to inform our School Strategic Improvement Plan.
The school will be hosting and participating in a Basketball Gala Day at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium as outlined below:
Friday 20th September
Moss Vale Basketball Stadium
9am – 2:30pm. Students are to come to school and will walk to/from the stadium
The cost will be $10 per student
There will be a Junior (Yr 3 and 4) and Senior (Year 5 & 6) Boys and Girls Team with 10 students in each team (4 teams only).
To nominate your child, you must complete the google form - nominations close on 6 September. This is an expression of interest at this stage and does not guarantee that your child will be part of the team. Once the teams are selected, further information will be distributed. Priority will be given to those students who nominated last year but the event was cancelled - you will still need to complete the google form to nominate for this year.
Thank you,
Confirmation
The Confirmation program will begin this Sunday/Monday, with the Confirmation ceremony taking place on Wednesday 18th September.
Enrolments for Confirmation have now closed.
Class timetable:
Class 1: 11th/12th August (Sunday or Monday class)
Class 2: 18th/19th August
Class 3: 25th/26th August
No class on 1st September – Father’s Day (or on the 2nd)
Class 4: 8th/9th September
Class 5: 15th/16th September (includes rehearsal)
Mass attendance on the weekend is compulsory.
Reconciliation for children before Confirmation:
St Paul’s Primary children: Thursday 12th September at 10.15am
Other School children: Friday 13th September at 5.00pm
Year 6 Bishop Mass
Students in Year 6 attended Mass with the Bishop on Friday 26th July at St Paul’s in Camden. They had a wonderful time and enjoyed answering the Bishop’s questions during the homily and meeting students from other schools.
Mary MacKillop
We will be celebrating the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop this Thursday 8th August. There will be an Infants liturgy in the Year 5 classroom (K – 2) at 9:30, and the Primary classes (3 – 6) will attend the 9:30 Mass in the Church. All are welcome to attend the Mass or liturgy.
Thank you
Catherine du Bois
Religious Education Coordinator
School Fees
As per the Diocesan Fee School Policy, all fees are due and payable by the end of the school year i.e. fees are expected to be finalised in full in the year of issue.
For those families who are on an agreement, plan or instalments, please ensure that you are meeting the terms of the agreement.
If any family is having issues, please contact the school to discuss the matter confidentially.
Only medication that is prescribed by a doctor is permitted to be dispensed at School upon completion of a “Consent to Dispense Medication” form which is available from the office. The form and the medication are to be given to the office staff in the original packaging with the student’s name and dosage. We are not permitted to administer Panadol unless prescribed by a doctor and the necessary form completed. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
If your child is Asthmatic or Anaphylactic please ensure the necessary plan has been forwarded to the office along with any medication so that it can be processed. We also need a "Consent to Dispense Medication" form to be completed.
Student Injuries
If a student has sustained an injury please inform the school office as we have to do a care plan and risk assessment. Please also forward any ED report or doctor letter as well.
Withdrawal
If you intend to withdraw your child from the school, the withdrawal form is available from the office. We currently have a waitlist, so advance notification would be appreciated.
Students on Visas and Residency
You also need to inform the school office if your child has gone from a Temporary to Permanent Resident of Australia or if they have become a Citizen (we do require a copy of the Citizenship Certificate).
Dear Families,
Please find below the details regarding the STEAM Fair on 8th August. Families are invited to come along.
Fathers Day Breakfast
Date: Wednesday 28th August
Time: 7:30am to 8:50am
Where: School Hall
Price: $5 each
Dads, Grandpa's and special father figures all welcome.
When placing the breakfast order for dads, etc, just use your child's name.
Please use the Spriggy App (under Events) to order and pay by Friday 23rd August
Fathers Day Stall
Date: Wednesday 28th August
Time: During school time
Price: $8 per gift
Please use the Spriggy App (under Events) to order and pay by Friday 23rd August
Disco
We are raising money for more sporting equipment for the school.
Date: Friday 6th September
Time: Session 1 - Kindy to Year 2 - 5:30pm to 6:15pm
Session 2 - Year 3 to Year 6 - 6:30pm to 7:15pm
Where: School Hall
Price: $10 each (this includes a lolly bag at the conclusion of each session)
Please use the Spriggy App (under Events) to order and pay by Monday 2nd September
The Spriggy App is the only way to pay for these events, NO cash or eftpos is available at the school office for P&F run events.
Thank you for your support.
P&F
Just a reminder that book club orders are due by next Monday 12th August.
Orders are to be placed online or via the loop app.
On Friday August 16th, Year 1 and Year 2 will attend an excursion to Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh. All permissions have been received.
Students are to wear their Sports Uniform, including their hat.
Please bring a small bag with Recess, Lunch and Water for the day.
Any student who has medication/ epipen/ puffer will need to bring it with them on the day.
The Bus will depart from the school at 8:30am sharp and return at approximatly 3:20pm. If the bus is running early or delayed, a compass notification will be sent to inform parents of an amended pick up time.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Warm regards,
Bernadette Taylor
CatholicCare Student Wellbeing Officer
Please see below the calendar overview for Term 3 2024:
| Week 3 |
Thursday 8th August - Steam Day - Parents welcome - 8:30am to 11:30am (see schedule) Friday 9th August - Western Region Athletics Carnival at Campbelltown |
| Week 4 |
Thursday 15th August - Assembly at 2:15pm Friday 16th August - Excursion to Symbio - Year 1 and Year 2 Friday 16th August - 100 Days of Kindy (dress up) |
| Week 5 |
Monday 19th August - Year 5 & 6 Public Speaking competition presentations this week Tuesday 20th August - Diocesan selection trials @ Beaton Park, Wollongong |
| Week 6 |
Wednesday 28th August - Fathers Day Breakfast and Stall Thursday 29th August - Assembly at 2:15pm Friday 30th August - Shoalhaven Zoo Excursion - Year 3 and Year 4 |
| Week 7 |
Friday 6th September - Year 5 & 6 Christmas Art entries close Friday 6th September - P&F School Disco - K to 2 - 5:30pm to 6:15pm/ 3 to 6 - 6:30pm to 7:15pm |
| Week 8 |
Wednesday 11th September - Kindergarten excursion to Calmsley City Farm Thursday 12th September - Assembly at 2:15pm |
| Week 9 |
Wednesday 18th September - Year 6 Confirmation at 7pm Friday 20th September - Basketball Gala Day at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium - Years 3 to 6 |
| Week 10 |
Monday 23rd September - Dental Checks Thursday 26th September - Assembly at 2:15pm Friday 27th September - Last day of Term 3 |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal's Award in Week 2
| Kindergarten | Adalyn | Mathias |
| Year 1 | Esra | Anderson |
| Year 2 | Riyaz | Joshi |
| Year 3/4 W | Grace | Desborough |
| Year 3/4 B | Ziggy | Parmenter |
| Year 5 | Anthony | Vella |
| Year 6 | Matthew | Holmes |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Merit Award in Week 2
| Kindergarten | Oliver | Dupille |
| Year 1 | Machu | Jornsamer |
| Year 2 | Teagan | Connolly |
| Year 3/4 W | Katie | Cumming |
| Year 3/4 B | Henry | Pertout |
| Year 5 | Henry | Holmes |
| Year 6 | Oliver | Gawthorne |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Mission Star Award in Week 2
| Kindergarten | Grace | Webb |
| Year 1 | Jayden | Wipranata |
| Year 2 | Aria | Neupane |
| Year 3/4 W | Beau | Figtree |
| Year 3/4 B | Davide | Salvestrin |
| Year 5 | Aaliyah | Marr |
| Year 6 | Alexander | Eggleston |
Asking for Help
Self Awareness
1. Ask the person if he or she has time to help you.
2. Clealy explain the kind of help that you need.
3. Thank the person for helping.
We we have a company called Lunch Bunch Canteens who will be fulfilling our lunch orders each Thursday only.
Please find the menu below and how to order details.
Mittagong Junior Disco
Date: Saturday 31st August
Times: 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
Cost: $5
Ages: 0-14
Please note: This is a CASH ONLY event.
Alcohol free event.
All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.
If you are looking to have a birthday party , please contact the wonderful team at the RSL for help on 4872 6700 – they can organise catering for your special occasion while the children have a great time dancing and catching up with their friends, the cost for the catering is organised through the club, the cost for the entry tickets are separate.
We hope to see you there!
Flip Out Mittagong House Party
We are excited to share that Flip Out Mittagong will be hosting its first ever House Party on Saturday 31st of August 2024 from 5pm-8pm. This includes 3 hours of jump time, a live DJ, disco lights in-sync with the music. We would love for your students and their families to join us for an unforgettable evening of fun and excitement.
- 3 hours of jump time
- A live DJ
- $30 per jumper (ex Flip Out Grip socks)
Healthy Family Bulletin